Having JO behind allows him to play closer, but then again hes gone up vs the 3rd level swingmen in Iguo, Jackson, Maggette, and Redd so far. Rip will be his biggest test in a while(until we play Kobe/Lebron) because Rip always tears him a new one when we play the Pistons.

The overall TEAM defense with JO added to the mix is just better. When you have aggressive, athletic shotblockers like Moon, Bosh and JO back in the paint waiting to clean up your mistakes you can afford to really stick to your man.

Having JO behind allows him to play closer, but then again hes gone up vs the 3rd level swingmen in Iguo, Jackson, Maggette, and Redd so far. Rip will be his biggest test in a while(until we play Kobe/Lebron) because Rip always tears him a new one when we play the Pistons.

Sorry, but I have to take issue with your comment that Jackson, Maggette and Redd are 3rd level and Hamilton is somehow above them. I didn't check Iguo's stats so I won't mention him, however the other three are all better scorer's according to the yahoo stat's then Hamilton. The logic being of course that you score more because,at least partly, you must be harder to defend. Parker has done a good job I think so far facing those guys so I don't think it's much of a stretch that he will be able to defend Hamilton equally as he did the others.

Parker is the opposite of most players in the league...
he's a player who actually gets better with age.
he doesnt rely on athleticism, and never will... his weapon is his brain. he is one of the smartest players in the league IMO... his bball iq is top shelf.
the more he plays, the better he becomes.
he's always consistent and is showing it again this year, especially on defense.

Its been 3 games with serious "WOW" defense from Parker.
Whats the secret? Motivation? Break-out year? ONeal?

Sam mentioned that AP is just carving out his niche. But I'm seeing sudden change, and hoping it will continue.

I wouldn't exactly say "WOW" defense. Has he been our best perimeter defender? Sure, but up until overtime against the Warriors on Friday night AP was horrendous on defense. He couldn't contain Jackson nor Maggette, but in his defense I guess nor could Moon or Kapono.

AP has looked really good since training camp began and he's just carried it into the season!I also think that having O'neal & Bosh getting doubled gets him open shots and it has really gotten his juices flowing on the Defence!This guy keeps himself in great shape and he's very durable.How many games has he missed in 2+ season's? 9 Games!

I wouldn't exactly say "WOW" defense. Has he been our best perimeter defender? Sure, but up until overtime against the Warriors on Friday night AP was horrendous on defense. He couldn't contain Jackson nor Maggette, but in his defense I guess nor could Moon or Kapono.

Period, him and Moon (if he decides to play D) are by far our best perimeter defenders!

Parker usually starts seasons much slower. I think physically he was pushed less in pre-season, and now is not being pushed as much in games, where in the past he had to worry about help defense way too much. JO solves that problem for him and everyone else. That leads to better man defense, and less energy exerted overall, so he should be able to keep it up.